Text Box: Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it. Thomas Paine

The New Enlightenment Institute

for the Preservation and Advancement of Civil Democracy

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Text Box: This We Believe... Text Box: That human beings are free by nature and that the power of human reason to overcome ignorance and tyranny is the essence of that freedom. That intellectual and moral virtue ought to govern both individual and civic action. That ethical judgments can be discerned by reason and that moral action can be practiced independent of religious dogma. That human and social progress are the by-products of a society in which human rights and freedoms are protected. That the people are the only real and rightful source of political authority. That the protection of human rights is the chief aim of government. That citizens need to be educated to a level commensurate with their obligation to govern themselves and their right to pursue happiness. That religious faith is a private, individual choice and that public policy ought to be free of religious sentiment or prejudices.

          

Text Box: Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives. James Madison Text Box: By far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the people. No other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom and happiness. Thomas Jefferson

Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it. 

                                                                       John Adams